452nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron receives new commander

  • Published
  • By SrA. Joseph Dangidang
  • 452 AMW Public Affairs

The 452nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (AES) hosted its formal Assumption of Command ceremony for incoming commander, Lt. Col. Richard O. Foote, at the Cultural Resource Center on March Air Reserve Base, California on May 19, 2018.

The formal ceremony is a public witnessing of which authority is passed to the incoming commander. Attendees for the ceremony included; March ARB leadership, Team March members, family, and friends.

During the ceremony, Col. Melissa A. Coburn, commander of the 452nd Operations Group, passed the squadron’s guidon to Foote signifying the formal invocation of responsibility, authority, and accountability to him.

Foote’s breadth of experience was outlined during Coburn remarks.

“Foote’s experience in the military and his civilian career is both equally impressive,” said Coburn. Foote’s resume depicts him as an educator, director, and leader which shows he has gone out of his way to not only improve himself, but to continue his education so he can improve the rest of us.

Foote began his career with the Navy in 1992 and transferred to the Air Force Reserve in 2004 and completed training as a flight nurse. He is a senior flight nurse examiner with over 1,500 flying hours on the C-130, C-17, KC-135, and C-21 aircraft.

“My passion is aeromedical evacuation,” said Foote. “We have one of the greatest mission sets in the Air Force; we bring wounded warriors, sailors, soldiers, and marines back to their families during times of crisis.”

Aeromedical evacuation is not an easy job because we may work long hours that can be hot, dirty, and mentally exhausting, said Foote. I recognize the hard work that each of you put in; to remain current and to remain deployment ready when our nation calls.

“What’s impressive about the AES participators is that they are also dedicating their time and skill in the civilian community,” said Coburn. “You guys are the RN’s, the nurse practitioners, medical directors, medical administrators, and you guys are giving back to your communities as well as serving your nation.”

“We have an excellent unit with immense potential and I’m excited to be here and look forward to working with you,” said Foote. “Together we can build our professionalism, increase our personal responsibility, and above all, work together as a team to improve our unit and take care of our people to complete the mission.”

Foote has assumed command of the 452nd AES; affective May 7, 2018.